Thicke, as well as the songs co-writers Pharrell Williams and T.I., took pre-emptive action back in August, seeking declaratory relief that their song was "starkly different" from "Got to Give It Up." Gaye's estate then counter-sued, accusing EMI of not protecting the R&B legend's music and actively trying to stop the family from hindering "Blurred Lines"' success (the publishing company's chairman allegedly blasted the family for "ruining an incredible song" and "killing the goose that laid the golden egg").

Along with scoring monetary compensation from "Blurred Lines," Gaye's family also sought to split with EMI, a move Sony/ATV reportedly called "ill-advised." Though the settlement means Sony/ATV will not have to defend their impartiality, it's possible that if the case makes it to trial, Thicke's camp will want the publisher to testify in court as to why it decided the two songs were dissimilar. Still, the new agreement spares Sony/ATV the uncomfortable position of defending their 30-percent stake in the music publishing market and the inherent conflicts – such as this one – that come with it.